Launch Calgary Legal Counsel and Prosecution Practice Today
This page guides aspiring Legal Counsel and Prosecution practitioners who want to start a Calgary-based practice (NAICS 922130). It offers a practical, step-by-step look at all 13 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus clear guidance on business registration, professional licensing, and the permits and insurance needed to operate legally and ethically. You’ll find a straightforward map to set up your office, align with regulatory standards, and begin serving clients confidently.
What you’ll learn: the exact permits and registrations required, typical costs you should budget for, and a realistic timeline from planning to launch. We’ll walk you through each requirement, outline common fee ranges for registrations, insurance, and dues, and share milestones so you know when to deliver each piece. By the end, you’ll have a practical, coachable plan you can follow.
Why Calgary works: the city’s growing, diverse economy and strong professional community create a welcoming environment for legal counsel and prosecution services. With robust networks, client access opportunities, and a supportive regulatory climate, Calgary is a smart base to start and grow your practice.
Requirements Overview
In Calgary, the essential starting steps are establishing three core registrations: a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, a Calgary Business Licence, and Alberta Business Name Registration (Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship). These registrations are required by law to operate and you cannot legally run a practice without them. They ensure you can bill clients properly, report taxes, and be recognized as a legitimate business by the city and province.
Operational health, safety, and compliance requirements: You’ll need to align with several day‑to‑day rules that affect how you run the firm. Public Service Employment Standards cover fair wages and safe work conditions. Financial Administration Act compliance helps keep your finances and reporting in order. You must observe Conflict of Interest and Ethics rules, protect client information under Access to Information and Privacy requirements, and meet Official Languages Act obligations where applicable. If you hire staff, you’ll also need Alberta WCB Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation coverage.
Business structure and tax: Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation, then secure the related registrations. If you form a corporation, you’ll handle Alberta Corporation Registration; for partnerships, Alberta Partnership Registration. Also ensure GST/HST Registration if you cross the relevant revenue thresholds, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration for employer payroll taxes and remittances.
Next steps and encouragement: Map out your chosen structure, secure the three foundational registrations first, and then complete the tax and payroll registrations. Use the government portals to file, and consider a quick planning session with a business advisor or attorney to verify you’ve covered the essentials. With a clear, practical plan, you’ll be on solid footing to start serving clients in Calgary.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a legal counsel and prosecution in Calgary:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Calgary. Apply to City of Calgary for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Calgary Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Alberta Business Name Registration (Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship) RequiredRegistration of business names (trade names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships with Alberta Corporate Registry (CORES) Register through authorized registry agent. Fee: $10 government + ~$50 service fee. Complete Declaration of Trade Name form (REG3018). Requires government-issued photo ID. Cannot use "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation". Registration does not grant name ownership. Contact: Service Alberta registry agent.
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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Alberta WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees or contractors in Alberta. Workers' Compensation Board employer registration for workplace injury coverage in Alberta Register online at wcb.ab.ca. Most employers required by law. Minimum premium: $200. Premium rate based on industry classification per $100 assessable earnings. File annual return with worker earnings. Some industries exempt but can apply voluntarily. Contact: WCB at 1-866-922-9221.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Alberta Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating a business in Alberta. Registration to incorporate a business in Alberta. Incorporate through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($30-40) 2. Prepare Articles of Incorporation 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay incorporation fees Government fee: $275 + ~$100 service fee. Annual return required ($50 government fee + ~$25 service fee). Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration for general or limited partnerships in Alberta. Register through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Complete Partnership Registration form 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships require registration. Government fee similar to trade name registration. Service fees not regulated - compare agents.
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